Thyroid: All you should know about this energy gland!

Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland helps regulate your metabolism. This in turn helps provide energy to your body. An underactive thyroid does not show symptoms at an early stage. But it may lead to certain health conditions in the future. Luckily, there are thyroid disease tests that help in accurate diagnosis. However, knowing the function of thyroid gland and the symptoms of different thyroid conditions will help you take the necessary steps for better health.

What is thyroid?

Thyroid is a gland located at the base of your neck, above your collarbone. It is a part of the endocrine system that handles the coordination of your body’s activity. The thyroid gland releases and produces hormones that helps regulate your body’s metabolism. An overproduction or underproduction of these hormones may lead to various health conditions.

What is the function of thyroid gland?

The function of thyroid gland isn’t limited to one. From providing energy to every organ of your body to regulating your metabolism, the function of thyroid gland also includes the pace of your heart beats and the rate at which you burn calories. The hormones produced by your thyroid gland help regulate your metabolism. This is the process where the food you eat gets transformed into energy for your body. Proper metabolism helps ensure that your body has enough energy.

The thyroid gland produces two specific hormones T3 and T4. These hormones aid in the function of thyroid gland by telling your cells how much energy to use. The replacement of these hormones takes place as and when your body uses them.

The pituitary gland oversees the function of thyroid gland. It does so by monitoring the number of thyroid hormones present in your body. When there is an increase or decrease in the levels, it produces its own thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH). They tell your thyroid gland how many hormones are needed to bring the levels back to normal.

What are different thyroid conditions?

When there is an imbalance in the number of hormones, it may lead to certain thyroid conditions. It happens because your thyroid gland is unable to produce the right amount of hormones. Here are the 6 thyroid conditions that are commonly seen in people.

Hypothyroidism

It is the condition when your thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones. It is also known as underactive thyroid and is more common in women than in men. One of the main causes for this thyroid condition is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include the following

• Weight gain
• Sensitive or puffy face
• Slowed heartbeat and decreased sweating
• Fatigue
• Menstrual changes or fertility problems
• Dry skin and hair
• Increased blood cholesterol

Hyperthyroidism

Too many thyroid hormones in your body may lead to hyperthyroidism. It is also known as overactive thyroid. Like hypothyroidism, this thyroid condition is also more common in women than in men. One of the main causes of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease.

The symptoms of this may include

• Fast heart rate
• Weight loss
• Anxiety or irritability
• Restlessness or trouble sleeping
• Muscle weakness
• Increased sweating

Thyroid nodules

This thyroid condition refers to growth in or on your thyroid gland. The cause for thyroid nodules may be Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or iodine deficiency. Though it does not cause any symptoms, it may cause pain and swelling.

Some common symptoms of thyroid nodules are

• Lump in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing
• Neck pain
• Hoarseness

Grave’s disease

Named after the doctor who discovered this thyroid condition, this is an autoimmune condition that attacks your thyroid gland. It may cause your thyroid gland to overproduce the hormones and lead to hyperthyroidism. It is a hereditary condition and can develop at any age.

Some of the most common symptoms are

• Change in menstrual cycle
• Weight loss
• Tremors in hands or finger
• Puffy eyes
• Anxiety

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

This thyroid condition is also known as lymphocytic thyroiditis. Also an autoimmune condition, here your immune system attack and destroys your thyroid gland. This also destroys your thyroid gland’s ability to produce the necessary hormones.

Common symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are

• Weight gain
• Sensitivity to cold temperature
• Constipation
• Muscle or joint pains
• Fatigue

Goiter

In this thyroid condition, your thyroid gland is enlarged. It is non-cancerous, and the most common cause is iodine deficiency. It is more commonly developed after 40 and may also be caused by hyperthyroidism.

The common symptoms of this thyroid condition are

• Coughing and swelling
• Tight sensation in throat
• Swelling in neck veins
• Shortness of breath
• Intolerance towards heat

What are some thyroid treatments?

The kind of thyroid treatment you receive will depend on the type and severity of your thyroid condition. A standard thyroid treatment includes oral medicines. This helps in restoring your hormone levels and reverses the effect of your thyroid condition.

To address any thyroid condition, you can rely on Bajaj Finserv Health. Our articles and blogs will help you take the right measures to boost your thyroid health. You can also book thyroid tests here to track it better. If you notice any symptoms, you can book an online consultation with a top doctor near you and get the right advice at the right time.